PALM SPRINGS (CNS) - White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest confirmed today that President Barack Obama and his family will vacation in Palm Springs following Donald Trump's inauguration.
“The First Family is looking forward to flying to Palm Springs, California on Friday,'' Earnest said during his final press briefing before his boss leaves the White House.
“The president vowed to take his family to a destination that is warmer than Washington, and Palm Springs fits the bill,'' he said.
Rumors of the Obamas visiting the Coachella Valley surfaced Monday.
CNN reported that a source familiar with the trip said the Obamas will be staying at the home of Rancho Mirage interior decorator Michael Smith, who redecorated the Oval Office.
It's unclear how long the Obamas will be in the Palm Springs area before returning to the Washington, D.C., area, where they plan to remain while youngest daughter Sasha finishes high school. Her sister, Malia, graduated last year.
But rumors have long circulated that the Coachella Valley could become their ultimate home. Obama has made multiple visits to the area, both on official business as well as golfing with his boyhood friends in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and La Quinta.
According to the rumor mill, the Obama family is looking to buy a home in Rancho Mirage, possibly in the Thunderbird Heights neighborhood. Known as the “Playground of the Presidents,'' Gerald Ford bought a home there in 1978.